At the moment there is only one bus which covers Oxford after controversial cuts to the scheme in 2012.

Spindleberry Close resident Iris Lewis, 78, no longer uses the dial-a-ride service after the council asked if she could get someone to help her to and from the bus to save time.

The mother-of-five, who used the service to go to the Gladiator Club in Iffley Road, said: “The club is the only place I go to and I only go out once a week. It could be a good idea having another bus but I wouldn’t bother with them. They have treated me too badly.”

City councillor John Tanner, the executive board member for cleaner, greener Oxford, said: “We would be prepared to put a limited amount of money into an improved dial-a-ride service for Oxford, but the county council has not so far shown a willingness to agree with us how best to spend that money.

“For a significant improvement in the service we would be prepared to make a contribution. What we are not prepared to do is to throw good money after bad. The service could be a lot better run. What we don’t want do see is the county council use our contribution to run the service and their money for something else.”

Dial-a-ride can be used by those with mobility, visual and learning difficulties or the elderly. It costs £5 a year to subscribe to the 9am-5pm service and £4 for a return journey – though it is free for those with bus passes.

County council spokesman Martin Crabtree said: “We are in discussions with the city council about their proposal.”

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